Cleaning
First time?
Boil your cup
Before your first use, boil your DivaCup for 5 – 10 minutes.
The routine
It’s like washing your face. Except, you’re washing your DivaCup.
Wash your hands, wash your cup
Before insertion and after removal, you should wash your DivaCup with DivaWash or a mild, unscented, oil-free soap.
Clean the rim and holes
Make sure you give those four holes at the top of your cup some much needed attention.
Store it
The DivaCup likes to be kept in its cotton bag and away from perfumes or anything scented.
Menstrual cup care
No lubes
No bleach
No anti-bacterial soaps
Nobody wants an irritated vagina
It’s not cute. So here are some things to avoid:
vinegar
scented/fragranced soap
oil-based soap
rubbing alcohol
anti-bacterial soap
baking soda
hydrogen peroxide
bleach
dishwashing soap
Used any of these? Replace your cup.
Just because it’s a DivaCup, doesn’t mean it is a cup. Don’t put yours in the dishwasher.
Shop our Clean Collection for menstrual cup care
Time to replace
A little staining is natural, but if you see extreme discoloration, experience irritation, or notice any other signs of deterioration, then it’s time to change that cup.
We also recommend not using the same cup after a yeast infection.
What to do with an old DivaCup?
You can recycle your DivaCup (and the DivaWipes packaging!) safely with our DivaRecycles program. Head over here to find out how and sign up.
You have questions, we have answers
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Is it messy?
Using the DivaCup does require you to get a little more up close and personal with your flow, but it is clean and comfortable to use. Be sure to wash your hands well before inserting and removing, as well as after you’re finished reinserting.
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How do I clean my DivaCup in a public washroom?
When in a public washroom, some consumers are not comfortable washing their DivaCup in the sink out in the open. If this is the case, wash your hands thoroughly before entering the stall, empty the contents of your DivaCup into the toilet and simply use a dry or damp tissue to clean the cup. At the next convenient time, clean as per the User Guide instructions.
Always wash your DivaCup using potable water that is safe to drink, including when traveling or camping.
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When should I replace my DivaCup?
While medical grade silicone can last up to 25 years, the silicone in a DivaCup deserves special consideration because it is used in the vagina. Each body is different, and pH, acidity levels and vaginal bacteria can affect the lifespan of a DivaCup. Additionally, the care and cleaning of the cup will also play a role in how often a DivaCup should be replaced.
With proper care and cleaning, your DivaCup can last for several years. However, if you notice any of the following characteristics in your cup, you should immediately replace it:
- Foul odor
- Heavy staining
- A white powder residue or any flaking on the cup
- Any types of tears or cracks in the rim or the stem of the cup
- A grainy texture
- Sudden leaking where it has not been experienced before
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I notice an odor when I use tampons or pads. Is there an odor with the DivaCup?
Typically, menstrual flow only begins to develop an odor when it is exposed to air, which means that you shouldn’t experience the same odor that is present with tampons and pads. However, an odor could develop if you wear the DivaCup longer than the recommended 12 hours without removing and cleaning.
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My DivaCup has started to change color. Should I replace it?
Over time, your DivaCup may change in color with use. This is common, and nothing to worry about – it does not necessarily mean you need to replace it! However, if the discoloration bothers you, boiling it as per the User Guide instructions may help.
